Slots Mystery Symbols: An In-Depth Guide
Modern video slots come with a whole host of different symbols and features that behave in different ways, trigger unique bonus rounds, and alter payouts. You’ll hear a lot of talk about wilds and scatters, but mystery symbols in slots often remain exactly that - a mystery.
In this in-depth guide, we’re going to demystify mystery symbols by covering everything from what these symbols are, how they work, how they can influence key elements of a slot, and where you can play them.
What are Mystery Symbols?
Mystery symbols are often represented by a question mark when they first appear on the reels. They are a more recent addition to slot games but they’ve quickly found their way into many releases since then.
In short, a mystery symbol keeps its true identity a secret for a period of time, so it won’t be clear whether you’ve won (or how much) straight away.
How Mystery Symbols Work in Slot Machines
The exact implementation of mystery symbols varies from game to game, with some only available during free spins and others appearing in the base game. However, the basic mechanics remain the same.
Whenever a mystery symbol first appears, it will be obscured by a ? or other similar character or image. When triggered, they will change their appearance and transform into a different symbol, potentially making winning combinations across the paylines.
For example, in Fortunimum Gold Mega Moolah, the mystery symbols can appear on any reel and usually show up in a stacked formation. They can be either green or gold, with the former turning into low-value symbols and the latter high-value ones.
How Mystery Symbols Affect Your Chances of Winning
The answer to whether mystery symbols in slots can increase your chances of winning is a complicated one.
On the one hand, a mystery symbol that can trigger bonus features will unlock an opportunity for free spins or other additional ways to win in that specific moment. Looking at Fortunimum Gold Mega Moolah again, a stack of gold mystery symbols might turn a previously single high-value symbol on a reel into a tasty win.
However, on the other hand, no, they do not change the return to player (RTP) rate, as this is set at game level.
Mystery symbols do add additional variability to the game which makes the jeopardy of every spin stay higher for longer.
Do Mystery Symbols Impact Slot Volatility?
Mystery symbols can increase the volatility of a slot game, especially if they appear as stacks on a reel. This is because several of the symbols land across one reel, they could make every line a winner or a loser.
How Are Mystery Symbols Different From Wilds and Scatters?
Mystery symbols share some similarities with wilds and scatters in that they can help to create winning combinations on a payline. Depending on the game’s rules, they can also all trigger jackpots and bonus features.
However, mystery symbols differ in that they are open-ended. They will remain unknown in their denomination and value until after the spin has finished. Unlike wilds, a mystery symbol does not substitute for any symbol, it will just convert into a different one once triggered.
How Can Mystery Symbols Impact Gameplay?
Mystery symbols impact gameplay by extending the period of time between you hitting spin and discovering whether you’ve won. You’ll see some of your symbols immediately, which may or may not, result in some wins. Once the mystery symbols reveal themselves, you have additional chances to win, creating more engaging gameplay.
Like with all slot games, there are no strategies or techniques that can help you win more with mystery symbols. Your choices will not impact the outcome of each spin. Instead, focus on good bankroll management and pacing yourself.
Discuss how the presence of mystery symbols could impact player decision-making and the flow of a game, how they can make gameplay more engaging and interesting, and offer theoretical examples of when mystery symbols might change a player’s strategy.
Choosing Slot Games With Mystery Symbols for Better Potential Payouts
There are new slot games with mystery symbols launching all the time and we’re constantly adding the best ones to our offering. You can see whether any slot has this feature by reviewing the paytable to see what symbols are included.
A good place to start is by searching for “mystery” in our casino section. Alternatively, check out some of the hottest options:
Why are Mystery Symbols So Popular With Slots Players?
Mystery symbol slot games are popular amongst players who love higher volatility options because they can create bigger wins but can also increase the number of dead spins you receive.
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Does the mystery intrigue you? Check out our epic selection of slot games today, including awesome matter symbol slots like Fortunimum Gold Mega Moolah, Mystery Mice, and Yucatan’s Mystery.
